In advance of the upcoming primary runoff election, law enforcement administrators with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) remind Texans that Election Identification Certificates (EIC) are available at all Texas driver license offices for individuals who need proper identification required to vote in Texas elections.
The 2014 primary runoff election in Texas is Tuesday, May 27, with early voting from May Monday, May 19, through Friday, May 23.
Most residents already have an acceptable form of photo identification needed for voting and will not need or qualify for an EIC. If an applicant already has any of the following documents, they are not eligible to receive an EIC (note: all documents must be unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting) :
• Texas driver license
• Texas personal identification card
• United States passport book or card
• Texas concealed handgun license
• US military identification with photo
• US Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with photo
To apply for an EIC, applicants must visit a driver license office and complete an Application for Texas Election Certificate (DL-14C). To avoid delays or complications, DPS urges potential applicants to make sure they have the necessary documentation before arriving at the office.
To qualify for an EIC, an applicant must:
• Bring documentation to verify US citizenship and identity
• Be eligible to vote in Texas. Applicants are reminded to bring a valid voter registration card or submit a voter registration application through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Be a Texas resident
• Be 17 years and 10 months of age or older
The EIC receipt an individual receives will include their photo and can be used for voting until the permanent card is delivered by mail.
The EIC is free of charge to qualifying applicants and is valid for six years. There is no expiration date for an EIC for citizens 70 years of age or older. The EIC can only be used for the purpose of voting in an election and may not be used as personal identification.
For more information on the requirements, exemptions and process for obtaining an EIC, visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/electionID.htm.
For more information on voting in Texas, visit the Secretary of State's website, www.votetexas.gov.